Annual Yankee Ultralight Fly-in lands in Greenland

GREENLAND — To the untrained eye, it looks like nothing more than a blue lawn chair bolted to a set of wings and strapped to a go-cart engine. But pilot Alan Frost says it's not only airworthy, it's a bigger thrill than the bigger planes.

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By Matthew Tetrault

seacoastonline.com

By Matthew Tetrault

Posted Jul. 8, 2007 at 2:00 AM
Updated Jul 9, 2007 at 12:00 AM

By Matthew Tetrault

Posted Jul. 8, 2007 at 2:00 AM
Updated Jul 9, 2007 at 12:00 AM

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Flight operations at Sanderson Field will run all week from 7 a.m. until dusk. For more information, call 603-479-3488.

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GO & DO

Flight operations at Sanderson Field will run all week from 7 a.m. until dusk. For more information, call 603-479-3488.

GREENLAND — To the untrained eye, it looks like nothing more than a blue lawn chair bolted to a set of wings and strapped to a go-cart engine. But pilot Alan Frost says it's not only airworthy, it's a bigger thrill than the bigger planes.

"It's a very different experience," Frost says. "You're in the open just floating in the air. It's a great rush."

It's called an ultralight, the designation for any aircraft 250 pounds or less. Dozens of the tiny craft made their way to Sanderson Field this weekend, kicking off a weeklong fly-in.

Now in its 16th year, the annual event gives pilots from around New England the chance to fly, camp out, and see the sights on the Seacoast.

Some fly from as far away as Virginia and Arizona, no small feat considering the average ultralight only holds around five gallons of gas and travels at 65 mph.

"It's a bit like riding a bike around the world. You take very small steps," Frost says with a laugh.

The event also draws as many as 200 spectators daily, who come to see the many varieties of aircraft and possibly hitch a quick ride. There's also a landing and simulated bomb-drop competition and a nightly airdrop of candy for kids.

For a fee, introductory flight lessons are available to anyone 14 and up. And while no license is required to fly an ultralight, lessons are recommended. An FAA certification typically takes anywhere from four to six months to complete.

Other than an investment in time, Frost says it's an easy hobby to pick up. He says the cheapest ultralights cost as much as a new motorcycle, and there are a number of local clubs that can point you in the right direction.